Clasp



1,493,072 May 6 1924' A. FRICKER CLASP Original Filed March 1, 1922 gwue nbm atlioz may rea ed Ma 6, 192a.

A NTHONYFRICKER, OF LAKEWOOD, OHIO,

CLASP.

Original application filed March 1, 1922', Serial No. 540,111. Divided and this application filed October 25,

1922. Serial No. 596,832.

. following is a specification.

This invention relates to clasps, such as are used for temporarily binding together thick masses of paper sheets, files or the like, up to thicknesses of an inch or so.

This application is a division of my copending application for method of making clasps, filed March 1, 1922, Serial Number 540,111.

The object -of the present invention is to provide a clasp of special improved form, which can be made from steel strips so that subsequent tempering operations are unnecessary; in which the clasping arms are so formed and are so disposed relative to the joining head that the clasp has maximum inherent spring tension with its arms lying truly parallel up to its maximum open position, and which clasp is strong and durable, simple in construction and inexpensive to manufacture.

Further objects of the invention are in part obvious and in part will appear more in detail hereinafter.

In the drawing, which represents one suitable embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of my improved clasp,

and Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof.

As illustrated in the drawing, the clasp is 'made from a single strip of steel of any suitable width and length, one clasp of satisfactory form being about three-quarters of an inch wide and approximately six inches long. Thelhead of the clasp, indicated generally at 1, is in the form of a loop or eye joining the twoarms 2, which lie parallel and in contact over an appreciable portion of their length, due to the formation of the clasp in a manner to impart inherent tension thereto, such that the normal position of the arms. if they could pass each other. would be at approximately right angles to each other.

This effect is secured in the present clasp by forming the eye 1 with two sidebends 3 and an end bend 4, said bends being put into the metal of the tempered strip so that subsequent tempering is unnecessary.

As statedin my copendlng application before referred to, the side and end bends 3, 4

are formed in a manner to overbend the material, or in other words, to put into the clasp more initial tension than-is necessary, after which one or more of the bends are partially straightened to take out a part of the tension and leave just the amount necessary to give the arms sufficient resiliency and, holding ability and also keep them parallel in the various positions of the clasp up to full open position with the arms about an inch apart.

One of the arms 2 of the clas is longer than the other, say approximate y an inch longer, and the end of the shorter arm is flared outwardly, as at 5, so as to form a mouth adapted to readily receive the edges of the sheets of paper, etc. to be inserted in the clasp.

An aperture 6. is also preferably provided in one side of the eye'lor in the inner end portion of one of the arms 2, so that if desired, the clasp can be readily suspended in vertical position.

It will thus be seen that I have provided a clasp of pleasing form and with material gripping tension between its two arms. It can be clasped about a thick 'mass of papers with a good holding quality or ability throughout the length of the arms.

For convenience in' illustration, the side and end bends in the head of the clasp have been shown slightly exaggerated in the drawing.

What I claim is:

A metal clasp formed of a single thin flat I spring strip of substantialwidth and bent to form an intermediate curved portion from the ends ofwhich extend two gradually converging arm portions which meet at a remote point and contact throughout a substantial portion of their length, the metal of the clasp being provided with a transverse bend at the junction of the curved portion with each arm portion. said bends permanently setting the metal of the clasp so that the normal tendency of the arms, 1f moved out of aligned engagement, is to pass each other, and said curved portion being provided substantially midway its ends with a transverse bend which permanently sets the metal and gives the contacting arm portions material and additional gripping tension.

In testimony whereof I hereby aflix my signature. 

